City Life

Downtown has a special draw. Add to that an uptown elegance, valet parking (thank goodness), an exciting piece of Colorado Springs history, beautiful works of art, a brick courtyard and you’ll know why so many groups have made this hotel their choice. And I love it that many of the employees know the history that goes with this building.

Her name was familiar nationwide; her story unfathomable. As a young girl she had been snatched from her own bedroom, kidnapped and raped over nine months by a stranger. She came to Colorado Springs as a grown woman, a newlywed and a children’s advocate willing to share her painful story with those who work with young victims much like she had been.

This is a fascinating way for Discover Goodwill clients to experience actual daily living situations before they go out into the community. Their town square includes an art studio, apartment, City Hall, community center, credit union, fitness center, general store and health center.

Let’s just say that the top man in our military can really belt it out. He demonstrated his musical chops with “New York, New York”when he performed for 900 guests at The Home Front Cares’ “For the Love of Our Troops” annual dinner. You can sing for us any time, Gen. Dempsey.

She was the calm during the firestorm. As forest supervisor for the Pike and San Isabel National Forests, Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, Marr was the face and voice of what was happening during the Waldo Canyon fire. She could never have foreseen that she would become a hero while she was just doing her job.

The boss leads the way, whether serving on an endless list of boards, being lead rider in a charity bike challenge, encouraging employees to volunteer or sponsoring major charitable events. His is a legacy of giving back, which was inherited from his father, Gil Johnson, founder of the company. When he and wife Laura gave the Kansas State University Foundation $6 million for endowments, scholarships and the school’s basketball training facility, Jim Johnson said, “My dad taught me by example that it’s important to support and give back to the institutions that helped shape you and make you who you are. I take it as a personal and corporate responsibility to do so.”

They’re here, there and everywhere supporting groups and nonprofits throughout the area, a KKTV tradition that harkens back to when Shannon Brinias was an anchor there. This is a black-tie team with jam-packed calendars.

The dance floor was packed all evening long and DJ Sugar Bear’s Motown sounds even had passersby groovin’ on the sidewalk outside the Mining Exchange ballroom. It was a lively way to help jump start the languishing Urban League of the Pikes Peak Region back to health.

One day after the Waldo Canyon wildfire came over the mountain, 10 creative designers had already sprung into action to support the victims. Their smoky gray “C Fire” T-shirt, with a flame blazing out of a red Colorado “C,” brought in $50,000 in the first four days. More designs were added, and many were purchased as gifts for first responders. Tees and hoodies have brought in an amazing $600,000, with 100 percent of the profits going to the Red Cross, Care and Share Food Bank and Colorado Fire Relief 2012.

The community had come together in a massive show of support for victims and first responders during the heart-stopping days of the Waldo Canyon wildfire. Eight days after the conflagration, a free concert at the World Arena and on local TV brought the community and those who had lost their homes together to start the healing process. It included Isaac Slade of The Fray; Jerri Marr, forest supervisor of the Pike and San Isabel National Forests; the Colorado Springs Philharmonic; Michael Martin Murphey; and Flash Cadillac. Sentimental favorites were the Flying W Wranglers and Russ Wolfe of Flying W Ranch, who had lost the site to the flames.

The Homeless Outreach Team — Brett Iverson, Dan McCormack, M.J. Thomson — has developed a nationally acclaimed bonding program to put human faces on the homeless and to offer them resources instead of writing them tickets for drunkenness or camping on public property. Now the HOT Team is in demand to teach its successful system to police departments across the country.

One of my favorite warm afternoon outings is to bike with my son, Ben, down the trail along Monument Creek to America the Beautiful Park. It’s a big, beautiful open space with playgrounds, mountain views, acres of grass for tossing a Frisbee, enjoying a picnic or just watching people. Best of all, kids and adults can splash in the water of the spectacular Julie Penrose Fountain.

Unless you’re a Colorado Springs Utilities employee with one of those cool parking slots beneath the Plaza of the Rockies Building, you’ve got to sift for yourself when it comes to free parking downtown. Probably the best spot is a diagonal strip that runs from the intersection of Costilla Street and Wahsatch Avenue to Nevada Avenue. This space is frequented by people who work in the courts or district attorney’s office, but anyone can park there and it’s just a block and a half from the downtown core.

Big wheels keep on turnin’ and Al Brody keeps on churnin’. He’s not the only strong advocate for cycling in the area, but Brody is everywhere and he usually pedals to get there. He lobbies for bikeways and pushed hard to get Pikes Peak opened up for cyclists. As part of that effort he got Councilwoman Lisa Czelatdko to ride a bike up the mountain. He’s the co-chair of Bike Colorado Springs. He’s pushed for the creation of a bicycle advisory committee in the city. He can tell you how many grade-separated interchanges there are for bicycles per square mile. That sort of thing. Want to know about bikeways? Want to work to make the city bike-friendly? Al’s your man.

The Thai Mint is a tidy little restaurant in a shoppette just south of Chapel Hill Mall. Mint green walls, a pleasant spot. Walk down the hall from the dining area and you will find a surprisingly spacious and well-appointed restroom. Nice tile work. A cool metal sculpture on the wall. A wheelchair can roll in easily. Not many small restaurants take this kind of trouble with their restrooms and you know, sometimes the little things are not that little.

Many Colorado Springs westsiders view the area east of Union Boulevard in about the same way New Yorkers view South Dakota. If westsiders could be a bit more adventurous, they could drive east to Hooked on Books, a cool store just off of Academy Boulevard. Locally owned, it’s a place where they can provide appraisals for old and rare books. It offers an atmosphere you won’t find in the big chain stores. You can buy a used book, or you can take your old books and make a swap.

Right. It’s not downtown. There have been rumblings about moving the home of the Colorado Springs Sky Sox downtown, but the Triple-A ballclub broke its all-time attendance record last season, and if a business’ location is working, why move? The Sky Sox, a Pacific Coast League Affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, offers Friday night fireworks games, $2 Tuesdays, Kids-Eat-Free Monday and many other promotions co-sponsored by a wide array of businesses and nonprofit organizations. Great family fun, reasonably priced, easy to get to and there’s not a bad seat in the house. Besides, it’s baseball: the highest expression of Western culture.

Liz Rosenbaum, owner and “culinary anthropologist” at Her Story Café and Catering, makes no bones about being a feminist with an interest in history. After teaching history a few years ago, she transitioned into a food career, starting with a mobile delicatessen in a truck. She started Her Story (not history, you see) in 2011. Her eclectic mix has been a hit on the city’s east side, with offerings such as the Sally Ride’s Blast Sandwich, Harriet Tubman Abolition Chili and Jane Goodall Banana Pudding. Her Story makes a point to network with and support other locally owned businesses.

There is only one shot that is important in golf — the next one. Similarly, there is only one lunch that is important. This is a place to escape the noise and haste in the middle of the day: It’s a simple lunch and a small bucket of balls at the driving range at the Patty Jewett Golf Course. Forget about that morning meeting, in which you were compelled to pretend that the person sitting on the other side of the table actually knew what he was talking about. For lunch, keep it simple. Have a hot dog and a Coke for five bucks, spend $3 on a bucket of balls. Leave the office behind and distill your world down to the elemental notion of making a smooth swing and hitting the ball solidly.

You’ve got that stunning three-color tattoo — the one that says “Agnes Forever.” Trouble is, Agnes ran off to Waco with a video-game repairman, so you’re now stuck with a constant reminder of that nightmare on your bicep. You can try to find another lover named Agnes, or you can schedule an appointment with Tatoo Must Go. Like lovers, some tattoos are more difficult to remove than others, so more than one visit may be required.

Need a new bike, skis or kayak before heading out to enjoy the beautiful Colorado wild? Before you pay full price, get to Mountain Equipment Recyclers, a sporting-gear consignment shop with a passion for serving the troops. Service members always receive a five-percent discount on the store’s entire stock: new, closeout and gently used items. What’s more, five percent of proceeds from consigned items and 50 percent of proceeds from donated items are given to military charities like Project Sanctuary and Phoenix MultiSport, which help troops and their families heal. So far, the consignment shop’s donations to military charities have topped $22,000.

This military spouse-owned kids consignment shop proudly offers service members and dependents 10 percent off their total purchase each Tuesday. That discount is good on the store’s inventory of gently used children’s clothes, toys and books, as well as its stock of new goodies, such as Beanie Babies, Melissa and Doug toys and — even better — those patriotic tutus and diaper covers that are so perfect for homecoming ceremonies. Need a new dress for a military ball but short on cash? Check out the store’s rack of like-new formal gowns, which are sold at a fraction of retail.

This eco-friendly day-care center has a heart for the military. Active-duty service members always receive a 10-percent discount with military ID. Have a deployed loved one? Little Sprouts will let you Skype with your hero on one of their three web cam-equipped computers available to military spouses and kids.

Would a creamy, dreamy, frosty, candy-topped mini mountain of frozen yogurt cure your case of the Mondays? We thought it would — especially if it came with a discount. Every Monday, iTopIt hacks 25 percent off the bills of active-duty service members and dependents with ID. So does YoYogurt.

This Colorado Springs nonprofit was founded by two Vietnam-era airmen who wanted to ensure the country’s newest generation of combat veterans were treated with dignity. Home Front Cares provides one-time assistance to post-9
11 combat veterans and their families who find themselves confronted with an emergency: an imminent eviction, a leaky roof, utilities that have been shut off or a broken-down car. If you’re looking to volunteer time or donate money to their worthy cause, they’d love to speak with you, too.

Whisk your family away for a whimsical afternoon in the Victorian era. This immaculately furnished mansion is home to a tea room that serves scones with fruit-flavored butters and desserts like truffles and gooey cake. It also features several mini-museums that celebrate the history of the Manitou Springs Fire Department and Pikes Peak Hill Climb. Another museum, themed “Spoils of War,” pays tribute to those who’ve served in U.S. conflicts since the Civil War via uniforms, pictures and other artifacts donated by locals. Active-duty military and firefighters always get in free with ID. Children 5 and under are also admitted free, making this a cheap “staycation” option for young military families. All other adults are $8, 6-15 $5, 60 and over $7.

If you’re looking for an affordable escape only a stone’s throw from home — perhaps to celebrate a homecoming or a promotion — Hughes Hacienda might fit the bill. The inn, which is nestled at the foot of Blue Mountain, boasts a courtyard spa, an unbeatable view of the Red Rocky Valley and a breakfast menu that features unique pancake flavors like blue corn and blueberry and pecan. Better yet, it’s owned and operated by a Korean War veteran who offers free one-night stays to troops past and present on Veterans Day. The inn offers a 10-percent military discount to active-duty service members and spouses year round. At press time, base rates were $145-165 a night. Adobe Inn at Cascade and Rocky Mountain Lodge & Cabins offer similar perks to service members.

ANTIQUE BILLIARD MUSEUM

CORNER POCKET AND OLD CHICAGO

Voters said whether you choose to celebrate in an outdoor setting or in an elegant indoor banquet hall, The Pinery is the place to go for a resort-style wedding with complete privacy. The competent staff prides itself on "flawless execution" — from the ceremony, dining menu, floral arrangements, reception entertainment and every step in between, with "great attention to detail." One voter said, "They made everything so stress-free, I was able to truly enjoy the happiest day of my life."

Specializing in transforming visions into reality, Sarah has a reputation for planning and seamlessly coordinating everything from engagement parties and weddings to reunions and sporting events. Voters praise her for being "polished, detailed and put together," as well as "relaxed and enjoyable to work with." Regardless of the occasion, "her high level of energy, creativity and expertise truly shine as she helps you plan your special day."

R.S.V.P. WEDDINGS

CHRISTY WALTERS EVENT PLANNING

With state-of-the-art equipment and a list of services that includes weddings and special events, concept development and storyboarding, video studio shooting, high-definition digital and film formats (and more), it's no wonder that voters commented that the company's videos "capture special moments and help put a shine on special events." One said, "They helped me put my company's best foot forward."

COLORADO SPRINGS VIDEO & MARC TACHNA

AMERICA MADE FILM AND MEDIA SERVICES

Don't worry, just dance. Voters said Sensational Sounds' DJs are talented and make you feel like family. With a full set of back-up gear in tow to every event, these professional DJs won't let the music die.

SPRINGS SOUNDS

CELEBRITY DJ

"Fast," "accurate" and "fair" seem to be the bywords of voters for KOAA, which they said provides the latest news, up-to-the-minute local weather information 24/7, sports and entertainment programming throughout the day, including
airline information from the Colorado Springs Airport. Voters said they
also like that KOAA-TV "supports the community and sponsors many events
and nonprofit fundraisers."

GOOD MORNING COLORADO, KRDO

EVENING NEWS, KRDO

As meteorologist for KRDO-TV's "Stormtracker 13," "Plath has provided reliable, up-to-date weather information we really need in our daily lives," commented more than one voter. Many others echoed those sentiments with many "you're great," "you're awesome" and "thanks for being real."

MATT MEISTER, KRDO

NIKI WEIRICH, FOX21

"He's been with KOAA for so long, we feel like he's part of our family," said one voter. He gives "accurate and fair" information with "professionalism and compassion." More than one voter commented that they love his "quirky" sense of humor.

91.5 KRCC-FM

103.9 RXP-FM

Voters love this morning show. "Funny in the morning with great talk but not too much. They play plenty of music during their show." "They get me going on the ride in to work in the morning." "Funny and just plain fun."

CAPTAIN DAN AND TAMMY OAKLAND, 106.3 K-LITE-FM

JONJAY AND RICH, MY 99-FM

Voters consistently comment that Treasure "goes above and beyond any expectations" as a realtor, but they also comment on her warmth and caring: "She has a big heart, is very involved with community and gives lots of time outside the office volunteering."

EL POMAR FOUNDATION

NATIONAL MILL DOG RESCUE

"The doctors are great," said more than one voter. "Thank you all for everything, and the payment plan you provided was literally a life saver," said another. Following up on a pet's condition is also cited as a strong point, as well as professionalism and compassion.

FILLMORE VETERINARY HOSPITAL

YORKSHIRE VETERINARY HOSPITAL

Voters raved about both of these doggie day care and dog boarding facilities. Said one: "Our dog won't go anywhere else!" "No better place for your babies." "I bring my dog there once and week," another said, "and they always greet her by name and treat her like a queen. She never comes home hurt or sick. I love being able to watch her from my home computer. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable."

SOGGY DOGGIES GROOMING

MELISSA SHIVE, CAMP BOW WOW

Strader has a soft spot in her huge heart for dogs of all kinds. Voters said she's deserving of gold because of the long hours she puts in to make a difference in the lives of countless animals. "She is compassionate and caring, dedicated to the rescue of abused dogs 7000 rescues." Another wrote: "Way to go. Thanks for saving so many puppy mill dogs."

RANDY RODRIGUEZ ENTERTAINMENT

COMPLETE MUSIC DJ

Voters greatly appreciate the nonprofit that helps care for families with a seriously ill child. "We have had to use the Ronald McDonald House during a family crisis. It is amazing how much help they are when they are needed." "No one is ever turned away due to inability to pay."

STREET SMART AUTO BROKERS

PHIL LONG FORD

Care, technique and service to the community litter testimonials about Structure. Many clients are thankful for help in dealing with such healthcare and end of life needs like stroke recovery and hospice.

JOSHUA MCDOWELL

MCDIVITT LAW FIRM

Let's face it — when you've got trash, you want to get rid of it quickly and conveniently. Voters consistently praised Bestway for providing "convenient curbside pick-up service" and making it "easy to recycle." Better yet, they "always clean up the area" around the cans and go to extra effort for special needs, such as removing moving boxes at no extra charge.

SPRINGS WASTE SYSTEMS

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Accounting Solutions was praised for providing "detailed accounting work," explained well. Whether service is provided for an individual small business owner or for personal needs, it offers basic accounting, bookkeeping and advanced financial analysis.

CLOUTTE AND ASSOCIATES, PC

H&R BLOCK, MESA RIDGE PARKWAY

Rated overall as "excellent," with "great quality work." True to its name, the artists will customize any design for its customers and are "great and professional." More than one voter commented on the cleanliness of the shop and privacy, if desired.

WEST SIDE TATTOO

INK INERTIA CUSTOM TATTOO AND ART GALLERY

A salon is all about the pampering, and according to Colorado Springs voters, Styles delivers it all, providing "a most enjoyable experience in a lovely, comfortable setting." The staff is praised as being highly qualified and competent, giving great services and "excellent results."

THE BRONZE BOMB TANNING SALON

VEDA SALON AND SPA

A retirement home is more than a just place to live as you age, and voters wrote that Village at Skyline is just that: It offers a variety of programs for physical as well as mental enrichment. Medical care, dining and recreational opportunities are tailored to meet each resident's particular needs, be it independent- or assisted-living requirements.

PALISADES AT BROODMOOR PARK

LIBERTY HEIGHTS

When the job needs to be done right, voters said Empire Title comes through with flying colors. They simply provide "sound, basic" title service. And they said they like the fact that the company is owned and operated by local professionals, who "understand the needs of their Colorado Springs neighbors."

HARRIS GROUP REALITY

INFINITE HORIZONS REALTY AND CLARK & ASSOCIATES INC.

"There's no one more qualified in real estate in the Colorado Springs area," praised one voter. Others lauded his use of the most current trends in technology and marketing, such as virtual tours, while addressing their personal needs.

TREASURE DAVIS, REMAX PROPERTIES, INC.

BRIAN L.A. WESS

Voters stressed that the staff members put their clients' needs first, taking care of even the smallest details quickly and efficiently. "Their professional assistance was invaluable when we purchased out home," one wrote.

REMAX PROPERTIES, INC.

PRUDENTIAL ROCKY MOUNTAIN REALTORS

In an area with lots of realtors, Fullen stands out, voters said, for her professionalism and dedication. Said one fan: "She is the only realtor I will ever choose to deal with." Another said: "Thank you for the exemplary service."

BRIAN L. A. WESS

TREASURE DAVIS, REMAX PROPERTIES, INC.

When you need a plumber fast, you need a plumber fast. And according to voters, B & L is not only fast, it's friendly and reliable, as well. It's family owned, and they "showed up right on time," and the cost was "very reasonable."

AFFORDABLE PLUMBING AND HEAT

LUKE ATKINS, MASTER PLUMBER

With comprehensive programs for adults and kids, the focus here is on physical fitness, character development and self-defense, rather than fighting. Lee is particularly well versed in the anti-bullying verbal martial arts program, which as one customer describes it, "a fantastic addition to anyone who is serious about delivering real bullying solutions. It fits perfectly into my kid's self-defense class."

MASTER SAMMY PEJO, U.S. TAEKWONDO CENTER

GEORGE HEIDINGER, PIKES PEAK ATHELETICS

This company can apparently do it all: office and in-house cleaning, construction clean-up, glass resurfacing, window washing, landscaping and fertilizing, sprinkler systems, power washing, concrete resurfacing — even vinyl graphics on windows and vehicles.

NORIKO'S HOUSE CLEANING

VERICLEAN SPRINGS

"Quick" is not always good, unless it's coupled with quality. Voters lauded this business for giving its customers both, along with really good customer service. One said, "I love that they conserve and recycle water."

WATER WORKS CAR WASH AND DETAIL

SPEEDY SHINE EXPRESS CAR WASH

As the newest park in Colorado, Cheyenne offers 20 miles of hiking and biking trails available year round, with prairie-to-peak ecosystems for lots of wildlife diversity. And it's right in our backyard, only 10 minutes from downtown Colorado Springs. Hot showers, laundry and a playground for the kids make it more than welcoming, and pets are welcome, as well.

MUELLER STATE PARK

ELEVEN MILE CANYON

Trust is huge when it comes to mechanics. You have it in spades for the guys at Academy Car Care. They've been in business for 20 years, and you know they're straigh shooters. "The guys will be honest about what needs to be done and will not overcharge me."

AUTOSMITH and HONEST AND ACCURATE MECHANICS (TIE)

AUTO TECH PLAZA and BOOK'S AUTO (TIE)

Voters praised this body shop for great customer service and fast, quality work. "I've been their customer three times now, and will keep going back as long as my wife keeps needing car body work. They are awesome!" One voter summed it up simply: "Quality quality quality."

WILSON'S AUTO COLLISION, INC.

MAACO COLLISION REPAIR & AUTO PAINTING

This B&B is loved: It's scored three golds in three consecutive years. Part of Manitou's downtown district since 1886 and was the town's first bed and breakfast, it scored high for romance, accommodations, hospitality, location and general pampering. "It really is a B&B. Great innkeepers, fabulous breakfasts and a beautiful property," said one voter.

HOLDEN HOUSE 1902 BED & BREAKFAST INN

RED CRAGS BED & BREAKFAST

This institution has loyal customers drawn by its competitive rates, lack of fees, comprehensive member programs and local management team. It can help every member reach his or her financial goals with ease, and it offer personalized loan solutions. Voters said you truly feel like a member there, not just an account number.

WELLS FARGO BANK

CHASE BANK

For 91 years, Colorado's oldest auction house has been doing appraisals, estate sales and weekly auctions of everything from antiques and collectibles to cars and guns. Voters said the staff is friendly and the auctions well-organized. And the auctioneer was easy to understand. "Loved going there. No hustlers."

AUCTION HOUSE 109

CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN CHARTER ACADEMY SPRING BENEFIT BASH

Voters praised RN Stacy Blair, calling her "amazing. Will not go to anyone else for my injections." They use only FDA-approved products. "Stacy's skill and experience ensure the right results for each client's individual needs. Wonderful!"

VLADIMIR JONES

BLAKELY + COMPANY AND GRAHAM ADVERTISING

No visit to Colorado Springs would be complete without a trip to this stunningly beautiful city park with towering 300-foot sandstone formations and Pikes Peak in the backdrop. The3,300-acre park offers a visitor's center, several picnic areas and paved and unpaved trails for hiking, biking and riding horseback. There are also rock climbing opportunities for the more adventurous.

PIKE'S PEAK COG RAILWAY

PIKES PEAK HIGHWAY

Described by one voter as "the best of the best," The Broadmoor is the longest-running consecutive winner of both the AAA five-diamond and Forbes Travel Guide five-star awards. The internationally known hotel and resort has nearly 593 rooms, three golf courses, 185,000-square feet of meeting space, a spa and numerous shops and restaurants, including the Penrose Room, the only five-star, five-diamond restaurant in Colorado.

HOME DEPOT

BLACK MOUNTAIN STONE MASONS

Locally owned and operated, this market was opened in 1952. They offer the usual cuts as well as wild game, buffalo, custom processing, custom curing and sausages. "We have been customers for 15 years," one voter wrote. Another: "Always a good selection at a good price."

RANCH FOOD DIRECT

WHOLE FOODS MARKET

Voters said Classic has "top-notch" customer service, is involved in the community and leaves clients loving their new houses. Voters said they'll be there for you throughout the process to make sure everything runs smoothly.

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY

PALMER LAKE

Bring your financial woes to Gary Rice at First Command and he will help you figure out a plan. First Command specializes in working with federal and military benefits and prides itself on crafting manageable solutions to breed prosperity.

EILEEN KOENIG, WADDELL & REED, INC.

This isn't the first time Mateos has won an award, and it probably won't be the last. Voters said Mateos keeps them coming back with a tranquil atmosphere that's close to home. Relax and be pampered for just an hour or a whole day with a huge assortment of spa and salon servic they are always fun to listen to and play great music! es and packages.

GENESIS MED SPA

VEDA SALON & SPA

New puppy? No problem. Voters said K9to5 is the best when it comes to training your best friend. They'll even pet-sit at your house for you when you need to get away but don't want to stress your dog by boarding at a kennel. Other services include training therapy dogs and their handlers. One voter said "Christine (Kelly) is an amazing trainer, and is always ready to help others with her extensive knowledge and understanding of canine behavior. She comes highly recommended."

STRAWBERRY FIELDS ALTERNATIVE HEALTH AND WELLNESS

TRICHOME HEALTH CONSULTANTS

Dr. Lisa Jenks is "simply the best." Voters said she'll bend over backwards to keep you happy, her whole staff cares deeply about its patients. "Dr. Jenks embodies the perfect mixture of hospitality and professionalism."

MICHAEL BARBER, COLORADO SPRINGS CARDIOLOGY

PATRICIA RAND, FOOTHILLS MEDICAL CLINIC

BROADMOOR DENTAL
Voters spare few superlative when talking about this practice, which is led by Drs. Nicolas Pruett and Kjell Ragnar. Many wrote about the caring of the doctors and staff -- for your teeth, sure, but they also care about your bottom line in costs and treatment options." "State-of-the-art equipment and fast and friendly service, not to mention quality is top notch," wrote one voter. And another: "Dr. Pruett is awesome! He is very professional and will calm any fears you may have."

ANDERSON FAMILY DENTAL
Keep on smiling and show off your pearly whites with the help of Anderson Family Dental. The Andersons have won numerous awards for pleasing their patients, and voters said their excellent customer service takes the cake. "They care about your dental health and are perfectionists in their work," wrote one voter. "Plus, they make you feel like part of the family."

MONICA DOBBIN, DDS PROFESSIONAL

JOSH ERICKSON, ERICKSON PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY AND ORTHONDONTICS

For many people, the choice of a home-improvement store comes down to how close it is to one’s house. But devoted customers of Lowe’s say the chain offers the best selection, the most quality merchandise and the most helpful staff. “The Lowe’s folks won’t just tell you where the obscure object you’re hunting is located in their cavernous store; they walk you there like an adventure guide,” one customer says.

Home Depot

Window World

Techno geeks will love this company’s inventory of video equipment and editing software. But clients are more enamored of the final product: high-end videos that capture special moments or help put a company’s best foot forward. Last year, Colorado Springs Video landed a five-year contract to produce graduation videos for the Air Force Academy and a four-year contract to produce basic cadet training videos. When a top service academy makes you its winner, you know you’re doing something right.

The Video Production Network

Kozi Visuals

Attention to detail, promptness and following through on customers’ expressed needs earned this locally owned cleaning company this year’s gold award. It does residential and commercial cleaning using green products, and also will do construction cleanup. “Vericlean is one of those companies that listen to what we need and will get the job done,” says Kevin O’Neil, who owns several companies and rental properties. “In our case, it’s wiping down desks and doing certain things that other janitorial companies tend not to pay attention to.”